The Act repeals the “Tree Expert Act” (1940) and provides a new licensing scheme for tree care providers. It establishes the titles “Licensed Tree Expert” and “Licensed Tree Care Operator.”
The Act re-establishes a “Board of Tree Experts” in the DEP with increased membership from 3 to 9 members.
The Act establishes minimum qualifications to take the examinations and identifies specific tree services that each title can perform.
The Act requires that at least 1 person in each company hiring itself out to perform tree care services be licensed.
The Act requires minimum continuing education units be earned prior to re-issuance of the license.
The Act requires businesses provide instruction and training on safe use of equipment and safe working procedures at the work site and document this training to the board.
The Act requires tree care businesses to carry minimum levels of liability insurance and to provide proof they are adhering to workers compensation insurance rules.
